U.S. Open report: Mickelson receives good news on, off course

Updated 12:19 am, Friday, June 13, 2014

Phil Mickelson of the United States holds up the Claret Jug trophy after winning the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield, Scotland, Sunday July 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

Phil Mickelson of the United States holds up the Claret Jug trophy after winning the British Open Golf Championship at Muirfield, Scotland, Sunday July 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)

Photo: Peter Morrison, STR

U.S. Open report: Mickelson receives good news on, off course

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PINEHURST, N.C. - Phil Mickelson came to the U.S. Open with several compelling story lines shadowing him - his return to the site of his heartbreaking loss in 1999, his inaugural attempt at completing the career Grand Slam, and a much-publicized FBI investigation into possible insider trading.

Mickelson wasn't disappointed over which story line lost steam Thursday.

On the same day the FBI and Securities and Exchange Commission reportedly cleared Mickelson of wrongdoing in one element of their probe, he kept himself in the fray on the course. Mickelson shot even-par 70 in the opening round, giving himself a chance to chase history the next three days.

Earlier in the day, the New York Times reported that the FBI and SEC found Mickelson did not trade in shares of Oakland-based Clorox just as Carl Icahn mounted a takeover bid in 2011. Mickelson and Las Vegas sports gambler Billy Walters reportedly still face an investigation into trades they made in Dean Foods in 2012.

"I'll continue to say I haven't done anything wrong," Mickelson said. "I do have a lot to say, but I just can't say it right now."

As for his golf, Mickelson flirted with the lead throughout his round. He stumbled down the stretch, with bogeys on two of his final four holes, but he knows even par is historically a good score at the Open.

"I didn't miss a fairway with my driver," he said. "That's a good thing for me. That's an unusual thing for me. ... The one club that's hurting me is the putter, so I've got to get that turned around the next couple of days."

Mickelson has struggled with his putter this year, prompting him to try a claw grip in the Open. The ploy didn't help much - he needed 31 putts Thursday and failed to take advantage of his crisp ball-striking.

Even so, Mickelson remains confident about his chances at Pinehurst No. 2, where he memorably finished one shot behind Payne Stewart in 1999. That outcome launched Mickelson's tortured relationship with the Open: His six runner-up finishes, including last year at Merion, are a record.

"This is a course where I get the same feeling I get at Augusta - I don't have to be perfect," he said of Pinehurst. "I can miss greens and still get up-and-down. I always have a chance."

Odds and ends

Cory Whitsett of Houston struggled to a 7-over 77 in the first round. Patrick Reid of Spring shot 71, Jeff Maggert of The Woodlands 73 and Bobby Gates of The Woodlands 79. …

Most of the recent major champions didn't join Thursday's parade of low scores. Defending U.S. Open champion Justin Rose was tied for 50th at 2 over, the same score as defending PGA champion Jason Dufner Masters winner Bubba Watsonwas tied for 122nd after a 6-over 76. "The golf course is better than me right now," Watson said. …

In a tribute to Payne Stewart, who won the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst and died in a plane crash four months later, Rickie Fowler wore white plus-four knickers and knee-high argyle socks - the same outfit that was the trademark of Stewart. Fowler said he will go back to his usual attire on Friday.